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Seatbelt violation leads to drug arrest

Thursday afternoon, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office’s Patrol Division conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in reference to multiple seatbelt violations, which eventually led to the arrest of the driver, 43-year-old Jessie Carver of Silver Springs.

Deputy Saayman conducted the traffic stop on the 1995 black BMW driven by Carver in the area of North McGee Drive and Norvell Bryant Highway in Hernando.

As Deputy Saayman was approaching the vehicle, he detected an odor of cannabis emitting from inside the vehicle. When asked about the odor, Carver openly admitted to having cannabis and displayed a burnt cannabis cigarette.

While Deputy Saayman was waiting for an additional unit to arrive, the occupants of the vehicle began to reposition themselves, attempting to conceal a black backpack. Deputy Anger, Deputy Wilson, and K-9 Deputy Amato arrived on scene and assisted with the traffic stop. All three occupants were instructed to exit the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies located 65.7 grams of methamphetamine, 2.5 grams of heroin, and 21 grams of cannabis. Also located inside the vehicle were five glass pipes, commonly used for smoking narcotics out of, one cut straw with narcotic residue, two small scales, and multiple individual plastic baggies commonly used to package illicit narcotics when being sold.

After interviewing all occupants of the vehicle, it was determined that all drugs and drug paraphernalia found were Carver’s.

“Combatting illegal drug activity in our county requires the steadfast dedication of everyone in the Sheriff’s Office- especially from our patrol deputies and K-9 units,” said Sheriff Prendergast. “I commend the outstanding work of the deputies involved in this traffic stop. Their relentless efforts make Citrus County a safer place to call home.”

Carver was transported to the Citrus County Detention Center and charged with”

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2019 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service Administrator Bruce Lammers today announced that USDA is making $150 million in grants available through the Community Facilities Program to